Interactive Balance Board

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to a low cost, portable interactive balance board having a platform on a rocker pivot and integral electronics that provides the user commands, commentary and feedback. Specifically the integral electronics comprise at least one or more of a light source, an audio source and a tilt sensor. The inexpensive, interactive and unique experience of a device made according to this invention, make it suitable for exercising, rehabilitation, challenges or training.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of Provisional Application No. 60/674,242 filed Apr. 25, 2005.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to interactive balance boards having a platform that resides on a rocker pivot. Specifically, this invention consists of balance boards with integral electronics that provides audio and visual commands, commentary and feedback. Cost effective and portable balance boards according to this invention are suitable not only for rehabilitation, exercise and training facilities but for the consumer home use market where product cost and portability are so important.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Balance boards have long been used for physical rehabilitation, training and gaming. They come in all different forms and most commonly are operated by trying to balance a platform about some sort of pivot.

Many boards comprise a platform that is free to roll or rock back and forth along a single plane, such as U.S. Pat. No. 4,911,440 to Hyman. Some boards provide a means to roll or rock in any direction (see, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,766,119 to Clark). Others have variable pivot settings to target specific muscles (see U.S. Pat. No. 6,811,523 to Timmer), and other boards provide a means to vary the difficulty, such as an adjustable pressurized bladder, (see U.S. Pat. No. 6,575,885 to Weck), or adjusting the height of the pivot, via a separate spacer (see U.S. Pat. No. 5,810,703 to Louis).

There are also prior art devices that measure performance of anatomical motion, such as those shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,878,102-B Commissio. Many of the prior art rehabilitation systems, such as systems comprising range of motion boards and other components, track a user's performance. However, these rehabilitation systems are elaborate multi component systems requiring separate data loggers, sensors, displays or processors. These systems are too expensive for many consumers, they lack the interactive commands and feedback, and they are bulky and not easily portable.

Further prior art discloses methods of altering the experience of a balancing platform by varying pivot locations or thru the addition of handgrips, bands, and other features.

However, none of the prior art balance boards comprise integral electronics that provide commands, commentary or feedback to the user; nor do any of them teach the user to intentionally tilt the board to a significant degree.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art by providing low cost, portable, interactive balance boards that provide audible and/or visual commands, commentary or feedback. The balance board of the present invention may challenge a user's ability to intentionally tilt the board to a significant degree, essentially over-tilting the board in the traditional sense of balance boards.

The present invention provides interactive balance boards with low cost, integral electronics comprising at least one audio source and/or one visual source to communicate: commands, commentary or feedback. Optionally, at least one tilt sensor is included to determine: tilt direction, degree of tilt, or duration of tilt.

The specific embodiment depicted in the attached figures contains audio and visual sources as well as tilt sensors. The method employed to communicate commands, commentary and feedback involves: providing audio and visual command signals through audio and visual sources, waiting for the user to respond, sensing the tilt characteristics of the platform through tilt sensors, and providing audio or visual commentary and feedback signals through audio and/or visual sources.

Balance boards according to this invention may optionally comprise: the ability to store personalized audio signals; a means to install different programs via uploading to reprogrammable memory or inserting memory storage devices into memory storage device ports; the ability to store and review performance results; a varying period between command signals; user adjustable mode settings for single or multiple users; volume control; or any combination of two or more of the foregoing thereof.

The integral electronics add little mass and little volume to the balance boards, neither of which inhibit portability. Cost effective and portable balance boards according to this invention are suitable not only for rehabilitation, exercise and training facilities but for the consumer home use market where product cost and portability are so important.

These and other objects and features of the invention will be apparent from the detailed description set forth below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and accompanying drawings. The description and drawings are given by way of illustration and thus do not limit the present invention. The drawings are not to scale.

FIGS. 1A and 1B are assembled and exploded isometric views, respectively, of an embodiment of a balance board according to this invention.

FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C are top, front and bottom views, respectively, of the balance board in FIGS. 1A and 1B.

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the printed circuit board populated with the integral electrical components of an embodiment.

FIG. 4A, 4B, and 4C are top, front and bottom views, respectively, of the printed circuit board, depicting many of the integral electronic components of an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

Interactive balance boards according to this invention comprise: a platform for standing or sitting on; at least one pivot to create instability; and integral electronics having at least one visual or audio source. Visual and audio sources provide signals to the user. Audio or visual signals according to this invention and as used hereinafter include: commands, commentary or feedback. For example, balance boards according to the present invention may command the user to tilt the platform to a significant degree by emitting an audio sound and visible light to tilt. Balance boards according to this invention are suitable for exercising, rehabilitation, training and game challenges.

The figures depict one embodiment and associated components of a balance board of the present invention. The balance board (10) shown has both audio and visual sources. The visual command signals are provided by four command LEDs (11), through protective lenses (12) that are evenly spaced on the top outer edge of the platform (13). The audible command signals emanate from an audio source (14), such as an 8-ohm speaker centered below the platform. Four momentary electromechanical push button micro switch tilt sensors (15) located below the command LEDs (11) and protected and activated by plastic buttons (16) detect if the platform full tilts, for how long and in which direction. Four performance LEDs (17) with concentric lenses (18) are evenly spaced in a radial line inboard of the outer edge. Power and mode, as well as difficulty level, are set through two electromechanical micro slide switches (19, 20) accessible on the underside of the board adjacent to the pivot (21). A microcontroller (22) runs the program, and reads and writes the inputs and outputs.

A program of the specific embodiment shown in the Figures has a method of providing audio or visual commands, commentary and feedback signals as follows. When the power is turned on, the microcontroller continuously reads inputs from all four tilt sensors. Once none of the tilt sensors register a full tilt then it is assumed the user has mounted the platform, and a short start delay is provided (for example: between one and three seconds). Following the start delay, the first command signals are emitted visually and audibly through a command LED and the speaker. The command LED remains lit and the audible command signal is repeated until the user tilts the board, activating a tilt sensor. The program permits a predetermined response time (for example: between one and five seconds) for the user to follow the emitted command signals. If the correct tilt sensor, corresponding to the specified command LED, is activated within the permitted response time and for the duration required (for example: between one and three seconds), the program deems the user's actions correct and then emits the next command signals. This process continues until the user fails to tilt the platform in the proper direction, within the permitted response time, or for the required duration. Audible and visual commentary signals and feedback signals are provided through the speaker and performance LEDs, during and upon completion of the process. As overall time progresses, the period between command signals decreases, making it more challenging for the user.

The embodiment depicted has two modes: single user and multi-user. In the single user mode, the program emits one command signal after another as the user follows along. In the multi-user mode, multiple users can participate in an ongoing challenge. In this multi-user mode, the program halts the command signals after a pre-programmed number of command signals (for example, between 5 and 20 command signals), and emits a command signal for the next user to mount. Once the next user is mounted, the tilting command signals continue and the process repeats. The next user is considered mounted in the correct or starting position when the platform is relatively balanced and all tilt sensors are detecting a relatively balanced state for a short period of preprogrammed time (for example: between two and five seconds).

The embodiment depicted has two methods to vary the difficulty. The first method is through an electromechanical micro slide switch that alters the period between command signals; and the second method is through a mechanical adjustment of the distance between the pivot point and the platform. The mechanical adjustment is achieved by threading the pivot portion toward or away from the generally planar platform.

Audio sources according to this invention include, but are not limited to: audio speakers; piezoelectric buzzers, electromechanical alerts, electro-magnetic transducers; and other devices that produce audio signals known in the art of audio. Some non-limiting examples of commercially available audio sources include: Panasonic EASP113D speaker, Radioshack 273074 piezo buzzer, Panasonic EFRRTQB40KS piezoelectric transducer, and Mallory PB1221P electro magnetic transducer. Embodiments with speakers may be driven with, for example: speech synthesizer chips using digital recordings or phonemes, such as the General Instrument SPO256 synthesis chip; or with integrated circuits; or with other components known in the art. The embodiment shown utilizes an 8-ohm speaker (14) to emit signals audibly, but any desired audio source can be used. The actual number or type of sounds used to communicate command, commentary and performance information is infinite. The embodiment depicted emits audible phrase commands such as “starboard”, “port”, “bow”, or “stern” for the direction, and repeats the phrase for the duration of commanded tilt. Performance is conveyed audibly, such as “sail” or “sink”, meaning that the user successfully completed the direction or did not, respectively. Embodiments communicating minimum degree of tilt might have audible command signals such as: “starboard 8 degrees” or “starboard 14 degrees”.

Visual sources according to this invention include, but are not limited to: LEDs; neon, Krypton and incandescent lights; LCD, LED and vacuum fluorescent displays; and any other visual sources known in the art of visual electronics. Some non-limiting examples of commercially available visual sources include: Panasonic LN086WP38 LEDs, Chicago Miniature Lamp 2ML neon lamp, Chicago Miniature Lamp CM331 incandescent lamp, RadioShack 2721150 Krypton light, Optrex F51373GNCLWAJ LCD, and Noritake GU128X32800A vacuum florescent display. The depicted embodiment utilizes four evenly spaced LEDs (11) that provide low cost lighting command signals indicating tilt direction and tilt duration, but any desired number of LEDs, such as from 2 to 10, and any desired spacing can be utilized. In this embodiment, the required degree of tilt is always the maximum full tilt, in which the bottom outer edge of the platform is in contact with the floor, but other degrees of tilt can be selected as desired. One example of a two color green/red LED that may be used as the visual source is as follows. Green commands a minimum 8 degree tilt angle, red commands a minimum 14 degree tilt angle, the duration that the LED is on indicates the duration of the required tilt, and the LED location itself indicates the direction to tilt the platform. Other colors and command signals and combinations may also be used.

Sensors that detect tilt according to this invention (tilt sensors) as used hereinafter, include: push button switches, optical sensors, angle sensors, gyroscopes, Tilt Sensors, inclinometers, and other sensors known in the art of switching, sensing and angle measurement. Common technologies for sensing tilt include, but are not limited to: accelerometer, capacitive, electrolytic, gas bubble in liquid, mercury, pendulum and proximity switches. Examples of commercially available tilt sensors include but are not limited to: E-Switch TL59NF160Q pushbutton, Panasonic LN54 optical sensor RDP RCDT angle sensor, and Crossbow CXTD tilt sensor. Tilt sensors of the embodiment depicted are momentary pushbutton electromechanical micro switches (15) located directly beneath the command LEDs around the bottom outside edge of the platform. However, any tilt sensors and configuration may be used. When an edge of the platform is in contact with the ground, the micro switch is depressed making a closed contact and sending an input signal to the microcontroller.

The integral electronics of the embodiment depicted comprise a one time programmable microcontroller (22) for low cost processing. The microcontroller continuously receives inputs from the mode switches, difficulty settings and tilt sensors; then provides outputs to the command and performance audio and visual sources. The random access memory (RAM) of the microcontroller stores performance results that can be reviewed at a later time. PIC16CR56A and PIC16CR620A, from Microchip Corporation, are examples of commercially available microcontrollers according to this invention. In addition, to microcontrollers, integrated circuits could also be used for low cost processing and memory storage.

Switches used for controlling: power, single/multi user mode, difficulty level, the active program, performance review, and volume according to this invention include but are not limited to: rotary, pushbutton, toggle and other switches known in the art of electronic switching. Non-limiting examples of commercially available switches that could be used include: OMRON A165SA2M1 rotary and E-Switch EG1201 slide. The embodiment depicted comprises multi-position slide micro switches (19, 20) to switch power, single/multi-user mode, difficulty level, and performance review.

In accordance with this invention, there are a multitude of electronic circuits that could support visual and audible commands, commentary and feedback signals on a balance board. In addition to discrete component circuit designs, many high volume products on the market today contain integrated circuits that take the place of traditional discrete component circuits. FIG. 3 depicts one possibility of an electronic circuit. In addition to the components already noted, support electronics may contain many other components noted in FIGS. 3, 4A, 4B and 4C, which include, for example: PCB (23); an oscillator clock made from a resistor (24) and capacitor (25) for low cost timing; pull-up resistors (26) for the micro switches; current limiting resistors (27) for the command LEDs, current limiting resistors (28) for the performance LEDs, pull-up resistor (29) for the microcontroller power supply line; a capacitor (30) to filter noise from the microcontroller power supply; a transistor audio amplifier (31); a diode (32) to protect against reverse battery installation, batteries (33), a ˜5v buss; a GND buss, and other support circuitry and components well known in the art of electronics.

Platforms according to this invention may come in any shape, such as: round, square or other shapes as desired. The platforms may be made of rigid plastic, metal or wood or any other suitable material and are formed by known methods such as injection molding, thermoforming, cast, machining, or other methods known in the art. The platform (13) of the embodiment depicted is made of injection molded polycarbonate, having a relatively planar top and a circular shape of 18 inches in diameter. Any desired size may be used, as long as it is large enough for the intended user and use.

Pivots according to this invention could be just about anything that creates instability in the platform. The pivot may limit the direction of tilting, much like a see saw; or may translate during tilting, as is the case with rolling pivots. Some balance boards contain integral pedestals that provide a rigid surface in lieu of the floor. The numerous combinations of platforms and pivots, according to this invention, provide the flexibility necessary to mimic the different muscle controls used in the many sports, such as: surfing, snow boarding, skiing, skating, skate boarding, wake boarding, boogie boarding and others. Pivots according to this invention would typically be injection molded, thermoformed, cast or machined of rigid plastic, or wood components; or formed by flexible bladders such as blown PVC, or by any other means known in the art. The pivot (21) of the embodiment depicted is made of injection molded reinforced nylon having a three dimensionally curved symmetric shape that provides a single point of contact with the ground directly below the center of the platform. The surface forming the pivot point has a contact radius of 6 inches, with a chord length of 7 inches and allows the platform to tilt in any direction. The pivot point is adjustable to between 2 and 4 inches below the top surface of the platform by threading the pivot into or out of the platform. While this particular embodiment alters the pivot point to platform distance by threading the pivot, the adjustment may be implemented in numerous ways, such as: replacing pivots with other pivots of different height, adjustable stepped mating faces on the pivot and platform, adjustable telescoping axles with locking clamp, or other methods common in the art of balance board pivot adjustment.

Most visual sources (11, 17) in accordance with this invention require complementary protective lenses. Lenses according to this invention can be made of any desired translucent or clear material, and they would typically be made of injection molded or thermoformed polycarbonate, acrylic, polyethyleneterepthalate or other relatively rugged clear plastic, or extruded film, as known in the art. The protective light source lenses (12 and 18) of the embodiment depicted are injection molded clear polycarbonate. The command light source lenses of the embodiment shown are 1 inch wide, by 60 degrees, with an outside arc of 18 inches in diameter; and the performance light source lenses are 0.3 inches wide, by 360 degrees, with outside arcs ranging from 7 to 12 inches in diameter.

Mechanically activated tilt sensors (15) according to this invention require protective activation buttons. These buttons would typically be made of injection molded or thermoformed rigid plastic such as polyamide. The tilt sensor protective buttons (16) of the embodiment shown are made of injection molded reinforced nylon and provide protection and activation of the underlying pushbutton micro switch tilt sensors. The buttons are 1 inch wide, by 60 degrees, with an outside arc of 18 inches in diameter.

Programmable memory, as used herein, comes in two forms: onboard memory and off-board separate memory storage devices. Onboard can be rewriteable random access memory (RAM) or electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM). The onboard memory can come as discrete components, as part of a microcontroller (22), or as part of an integrated circuit. Memory storage devices, come in many different forms, but all can store digital data and may be inserted into memory storage device ports on the balance board that can read and write the data. Examples of commercially available memory storage devices include but are not limited to: Sandisk SDCFX3-1024 compact flash, Sandisk SDSDB-2048 SD card, and Sandisk SDCZ4-512 USB drive.

There are several other useful features that balance boards of the invention may optionally comprise. For example, the ability to store personalized command, commentary or feedback audio signals makes balance boards more entertaining. Personalized signals may be recorded on board, or recorded off-board and later uploaded to the balance board. The onboard recording could be implemented with audio recording integrated circuits, such as APR6008 from APLUS Integrated Circuits. Previously recorded signals could be uploaded to RAM or loaded on memory storage devices. Another useful feature is the ability to upload different workouts, therapy or exercise programs onto memory storage devices or onboard memory. Another useful feature is the ability to log performance results and recall, review and download the data at a later time. The data may also be stored on memory storage devices or in onboard memory. The ability to control volume of audio signals is another desirable feature and might be done with a volume control device like a potentiometer, such as Panasonic EVUF3AF30B. User adjustable mode settings for single or multiple users and varying periods between commands are two other features desirable on interactive balance boards. Multiple different programs with varying periods for single and multi users could be stored in memory and selected by a user through a switch.

As will be apparent to persons skilled in the art, various modifications and adaptations of the invention above described will become readily apparent without departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, the scope of which is described in the appended claims. 

1. A balance board comprising a platform, a pivot, and integral electronics; wherein the integral electronics comprise at least one audio source, wherein the audio source emits audio signals.
 2. A balance board comprising a platform, a pivot, and integral electronics; wherein the integral electronics comprise at least one visual source, wherein the visual source emits visible signals.
 3. A balance board comprising a platform, a pivot, and integral electronics; wherein the integral electronics comprise at least one audio source and one visual source.
 4. A balance board according to claim 1: further comprising at least one tilt sensor, wherein the tilt sensor aids in detecting: tilt direction, degree of tilt and duration of tilt.
 5. A balance board according to claim 2: further comprising at least one tilt sensor.
 6. A balance board according to claim 1, further comprising at least one microcontroller.
 7. A balance board according to claim 2, further comprising at least one microcontroller.
 8. A balance board according to claim 1: further comprising memory storage.
 9. A balance board according to claim 2: further comprising memory storage.
 10. A balance board according to claim 1: further comprising a memory storage device port.
 11. A balance board according to claim 2: further comprising a memory storage device port.
 12. A balance board according to claim 1: further comprising at least one switch to alter the period between commands.
 13. A balance board according to claim 1: wherein the audio source is selected from the group consisting of: audio speakers, piezoelectric buzzers, electro-mechanical alerts, magnetic transducers.
 14. A balance board according to claim 2: wherein the visual source is selected from the group consisting of: LEDs; neon, Krypton and incandescent lights; LCD, LED and vacuum fluorescent displays.
 15. A balance board according to claim 1: further comprising at least one switch to select between single user and multi-user modes.
 16. A balance board according to claim 2: further comprising at least one switch to select between single user and multi-user modes.
 17. A balance board according to claim 1: further comprising at least one volume control device.
 18. A balance board according to claim 1: further comprising at least one volume integrated circuit.
 19. A balance board according to claim 1: further comprising an integral pedestal, wherein the integral pedestal provides a structure for the pivot to move about.
 20. A balance board according to claim 1: wherein there is a distance between the platform and pivot point, wherein the distance between the platform and pivot point is adjustable by threading the pivot into the platform. 